Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Inspection at Tramo Market, in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi Province, March 29, 2023

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 29 Maret 2023
Category: Press Statement @en
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President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I am here in a market in Maros [regency] to monitor price of rice considering South Sulawesi is one of producers of rice; Maros regency is also a rice producer. The price is at Rp10,500; it indeed declined but I think if we have abundant harvest of rice, the price should be lower than that. Therefore, people can buy it at a more affordable price.

The price of shallot has remained stable; it’s good. The price of garlic has also remained stable. However, cooking oil is in short supply; the Minyakita one, which has the price in a range of Rp14,000 to Rp15,000. I will make a phone call to Jakarta and order them to increase the supply to Maros market. That’s it.

Reporter
Did you buy chili earlier Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. I notice that the price of chili in Java is around Rp90 thousands, Rp80 thousands [per kg], but the price here is still at Rp40 thousand. I will try which one is spicier. If the Rp40 thousand one is spicy, it’s good.

Reporter
How many chilis did you buy?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
One kg. I just wanted to try it.

Reporter
What measures are taken to anticipate hike in prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The most important thing is to ensure the supply, for instance supply of rice. The supply in all provinces, not only in South Sulawesi, must always available. The supply of egg must also available. We saw an increase in the price of egg in Java. I want to ensure that the inflation is kept under control. If there is a hike in prices of one or two commodities ahead of Eid al-Fitr, it is normal. However, we must ensure the availability of the supply.

Reporter
How about cooking oil? Does the supply is sufficient? Cooking oil?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, I will make a phone call. This is a huge country that not only governs one or two cities/regencies, but all regencies. Several days ago, I also monitored rice in Ende and Maumere; the supply is low and that increases the price.

Reporter
In general, the supply is sufficient, right?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, as of today.

Reporter
As for… (inaudible)

President
It is also sufficient.

(RAS/LW)

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